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 n ongoing genetics study shows ancient connections between Ireland, Wales and Spain, according to ABC news in a May third article. The study, published in early May by University College London, had originally intended to determine if the ninth century Viking invasion of the Orkney Islands could be identified in present day inhabitants. The results of the study contained a few surprises.
The main author of the study, David Goldstein, believed that by studying the genetic roots of a population, historical facts can be revealed that couldn't be found through traditional historical and archeological sources. Additionally, such studies are believed to hold epidemiological value since they can help the researchers isolate genetic patterns that influence common illnesses. Of course recorded history has left no doubt that the Vikings certainly added their influence to the Orkney population. The main idea seems to have been to determine just how significant that influence was. To make that determination, Goldstein and associates examined genetic samples from male islanders as well as those of control groups from Ireland, Wales, Norway and the Netherlands. As expected, the study found a strong Viking genetic influence from the island control group. Thus confirming history. However, when they compared the Orkney group with those of Ireland and Welsh, the found remarkable similarity, which suggests common heritage prior to the 5th century on invasion of Vikings. The shocker for the researchers was to find the same similarity to the Basques of the northern border region of Spain. While this kind of finding may have jolted Goldstein and company, it is old information to us. All you have to do is look to Irish lore and mythology, as well as archeological data to find that the Goedelic Celts migrated through Spain and that Spain was a major source for the tin needed in the significant bronze industry of Ireland prior to 1,000 BC. The obvious lack of exchange and communications between academic disciplines has long been one of my pet peeves. Etymologists, archeologists, anthropologists and even we folklorists tend to work in our own academic vacuum. Even worse, many tend to vigorously defend against any who would bridge the gaps. Hopefully times are changing and just perhaps, genetics can serve as the bridge that eliminates isolation and encourages cooperation. While the ongoing study is not yet complete, it does hold promise of some interesting revelations for the academic world. As for us, it is only one more verification of what we already know from our studies of the mythology and lore of Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as the increasing bodies of archeological and other scientific evidence. While this is a mildly exciting development, it is only one small piece of the grand puzzle. Now isn't the time to relax and let the other guys catch up. We need to keep right on doing our own investigation and analysis. However, this new field of study holds what seems to be great promise and should be watched closely. It may just well be our greatest research tool since archeology. |
